[K Drama] The Nice Guy Cast & Plot Ending & Filming Location 2025

“The Last Good Man Standing” Kdrama The Nice Guy (착한 사나이) is JTBC’s bold new Friday drama for 2025, weaving together romance, family, and noir in a uniquely Korean tapestry of laughter and tears. Set in the bustling heart of Seoul, the series centers on Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a notorious three-generation gangster family, whose greatest battle is not against rival gangs but the everyday struggles to protect his loved ones, dreams, and dignity.

The drama opens with Seok-cheol at a crossroads: torn between the legacy of his family’s criminal past and his own yearning for an honest life, he finds himself juggling the roles of dutiful son, loyal friend, and reluctant heir. The arrival of Ji-hye, a fiercely independent woman with a mysterious past, and Min-jun, a principled prosecutor determined to bring justice to the city’s underbelly, sets off a chain of events that will test the boundaries of loyalty, love, and redemption. As Seok-cheol navigates the treacherous waters of family expectations and personal ambition, he is forced to confront the question: Can a man born into darkness choose to walk in the light?

What sets The Nice Guy apart is its deft blend of genres. The drama’s heart beats with the warmth of family dinners, the awkwardness of first love, and the camaraderie of lifelong friends, all set against the shadowy backdrop of noir-tinged intrigue. Director Song Hae-sung and Park Hong-soo bring a cinematic touch to the series, infusing each episode with visual flair and emotional nuance, while writers Kim Woon-kyung and Kim Hyo-seok craft dialogue that sparkles with wit and authenticity. The show’s production, a collaboration between SLL, Hybe Media Corp, and High Ground, spares no expense in recreating the vibrant streets of Seoul, from neon-lit alleys to cozy neighborhood eateries.

Central to the drama’s appeal is its cast, led by Lee Dong-wook as Seok-cheol, whose layered performance captures the vulnerability beneath the tough exterior. Lee Sung-kyung brings depth and charisma to Ji-hye, while Park Hoon’s Min-jun offers a compelling counterpoint as the drama’s moral compass. The chemistry among the leads, supported by a talented ensemble, grounds the series in genuine emotion, making even the most outlandish plot twists feel earned.

The Nice Guy is not just a story about crime or romance; it is a meditation on what it means to be good in a world that rewards ruthlessness. The series explores the gray areas of morality, the weight of family legacy, and the quiet heroism of everyday choices. With its mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, the drama invites viewers to root for a protagonist who, despite his flaws, never stops striving to do the right thing. As Seok-cheol faces betrayals, reconciliations, and the ultimate test of character, audiences are reminded that sometimes, the bravest thing a person can do is simply to remain kind.

The Nice Guy Drama

Japanese 優しい男の物語 | Korean 착한 사나이 | Chinese 善良的他
Revised romanization Chakhan Sanai
Director Song Hae-sung, Park Hong-soo
Writer Kim Woon-kyung, Kim Hyo-seok
Genre Romance, Family, Noir
Network JTBC
Release Date July 18, 2025
Number of Episodes 14
Airtime Friday 20:50 (KST)
Language Korean
Country South Korea
Planning/Production SLL | SLL, Hybe Media Corp, High Ground
Cast Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyung, Park Hoon, others
Filming Period February 2024 – August 2024 (pre-produced)
Streaming Disney+ (Korea, global), Hulu (US)
Rating 15+

The Nice Guy Cast

Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook): The eldest grandson of a gangster family, struggling to balance family loyalty with his desire for a better life.

Lee Dong-wook Instagram

Lee Dong-wook Selected Filmography

Goblin (2016–2017) : Played the Grim Reaper, a mysterious and tragic figure who guides souls to the afterlife, earning widespread acclaim for his nuanced performance.
Strangers from Hell (2019) : Portrayed Seo Moon-jo, a charismatic yet chilling dentist, showcasing his versatility in psychological thrillers.
Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020–2023)

Ji-hye (Lee Sung-kyung): A strong-willed woman with a hidden past, who becomes Seok-cheol’s confidante and love interest.

Lee Sung-kyung Instagram

Lee Sung-kyung Selected Filmography

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017) : Starred as Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter navigating love and friendship, cementing her status as a leading actress in youth dramas.
Dr. Romantic 2 (2020) : Played Cha Eun-jae, a talented surgeon, bringing depth and empathy to the medical drama.
Sh**ting Stars (2022)

Min-jun (Park Hoon): A principled prosecutor entangled in Seok-cheol’s world, serving as both adversary and ally.

Park Hoon Instagram

Park Hoon Selected Filmography

Memories of the Alhambra (2018–2019) : Played Cha Hyung-seok, a pivotal character whose mysterious death drives the plot’s central mystery.

Director Selected Filmography and Style

Song Hae-sung is acclaimed for his emotionally resonant films such as Failan (2001), a poignant romance about an unlikely connection, and Maundy Thursday (2006), a moving drama exploring forgiveness and redemption. His style is marked by a focus on character-driven narratives, subtle emotional beats, and a cinematic approach to everyday life. Park Hong-soo, co-director, is known for his work on Doctor John (2019) and My Strange Hero (2018), both praised for their strong ensemble casts and deft balance of drama and humor. Together, they bring a blend of realism and stylized storytelling to The Nice Guy, elevating its noir and family elements.

The Nice Guy Filming Location

The drama “A Story of a Kind Man” was filmed mainly in Chuncheon, with other locations such as Gangneung and the Gangwon-do region serving as the primary settings. The exact filming locations will be disclosed once the drama footage is released.

Ilsan Cheongah Park

Address: 478-11, Seolmun-dong, Ilsan-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park

Address: 1154, Majong-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Ilsan Cheongah Park

Address: 478-11, Seolmun-dong, Ilsan-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park

Address: 1154, Majong-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Nice Guy Plot Summary

The Nice Guy follows Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a legendary gangster family, as he attempts to break free from his family’s criminal legacy and carve out an honest life. When his father’s old enemies resurface and threaten his loved ones, Seok-cheol is forced to confront his past while protecting his future. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Ji-hye, whose own secrets complicate their growing bond, and Min-jun, a prosecutor determined to bring justice to the city. Together, they navigate a world of shifting loyalties, moral dilemmas, and the enduring power of kindness.

The Nice Guy Ending

As the series is set to premiere in July 2025, the ending has not been revealed. Early synopses suggest a resolution that balances redemption, sacrifice, and the possibility of a new beginning for Seok-cheol and his family.

To Be Continue…

Review

With its star-studded cast, cinematic direction, and genre-blending narrative, The Nice Guy is poised to become one of JTBC’s standout dramas of 2025. Anticipation is high among fans of romance, family sagas, and noir, with early trailers and promotional materials generating positive buzz online. Critics are already praising the show’s visual style and the chemistry between its leads.

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